In the high-stakes cauldron of international cricket, momentum can shift on a single delivery. For Prasidh Krishna, it shifted on the back of resilience. Following a costly initial spell in the series-deciding 3rd ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, the Indian pacer could have easily faded into the background. Instead, he delivered a stunning comeback that not only dismantled the Proteas’ batting order but also silenced his critics and drew admiration from two of India’s most respected cricketing minds: Ravichandran Ashwin and Irfan Pathan.
Table of Contents
- The Vizag Turnaround: From Costly to Crucial
- Ashwin’s Powerful Message on the Prasidh Krishna Comeback
- Irfan Pathan’s Insight on Prasidh’s Redemption
- Why This Performance Matters for Team India
- Conclusion: A Statement of Intent
- Sources
The Vizag Turnaround: From Costly to Crucial
The narrative for Prasidh Krishna in the India vs South Africa 2025 series was looking bleak. In the previous ODI, he was on the receiving end of a brutal assault, conceding 85 runs from his 9.4 overs . The pressure was immense heading into the decider. His first spell in Vizag didn’t offer much relief, as he was dispatched for boundaries, particularly by Quinton de Kock, and finished his initial burst with figures of 0/27 from two overs .
But cricket is a game of two spells, and sometimes, two halves. Krishna returned with a steely resolve. He found his line and length, generated extra bounce, and began to make inroads. His breakthroughs were not just wickets; they were momentum killers. He first dismissed the dangerous Tristan Stubbs (listed as Breetzke in some reports) and then sent back the well-set Aiden Markram. His biggest scalp was the in-form Quinton de Kock, and he finished his spell by cleaning up the tail-ender Ottneil Baartman .
His final figures? An impressive 4 wickets for 66 runs from his 10 overs, a performance that mirrored Kuldeep Yadav’s own four-for and was instrumental in bowling South Africa out for a manageable 270 .
Ashwin’s Powerful Message on the Prasidh Krishna Comeback
It’s one thing to perform on the field, but it’s another to have a legend of the game publicly vouch for your character and potential. Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his sharp cricketing mind, did exactly that. In a powerful statement that resonated with fans and pundits alike, Ashwin highlighted the ease with which players can be written off in the modern game.
Calling out the fleeting nature of public opinion, Ashwin’s core message was about patience and faith in talent. He has been a vocal supporter of Krishna’s wicket-taking ability in the past, having stated, “I would give Prasidh Krishna games, because when he got it right, he delivered lethal wicket-taking deliveries” . His latest comments serve as a masterclass in the importance of backing young talent through their ups and downs—a philosophy now championed by the new Indian team management under coach Gautam Gambhir .
This kind of backing from a senior player of Ashwin’s stature is invaluable. It not only boosts the player’s confidence but also signals to the entire cricketing ecosystem that a Prasidh Krishna comeback was always a possibility, given the right support.
Irfan Pathan’s Insight on Prasidh’s Redemption
Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, now a respected analyst, echoed Ashwin’s sentiments. After the match, Pathan specifically applauded Krishna for his “excellent comeback in the second spell,” recognizing the mental fortitude it took to bounce back from a poor start .
Pathan, who has himself navigated the highs and lows of an international career, understands the technical and psychological adjustments required for such a turnaround. His analysis went beyond the raw numbers, focusing on Krishna’s ability to recalibrate his strategy mid-game. This is a critical skill for any fast bowler operating in the high-octane environment of ODI cricket, where a couple of bad overs can derail an entire spell.
Pathan’s praise adds another layer of credibility to Krishna’s performance, framing it not just as a good day at the office, but as a significant step in his evolution as a bowler capable of handling pressure at the highest level.
Why This Performance Matters for Team India
Prasidh Krishna’s resurgence is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a strategic win for Team India. With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, having a reliable, wicket-taking pacer in the ranks is non-negotiable. Krishna’s career before this series was a mixed bag in ODIs, with a high economy rate often overshadowing his ability to strike .
This performance in Vizag, however, offers a compelling case for his inclusion. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Wicket-Taking Prowess: In a format where containment is common, a bowler who can break partnerships is a premium asset. His four wickets were not just scalps; they were at critical junctures.
- Mental Resilience: Overcoming a poor start in a series decider shows a maturity that bodes well for his future in high-pressure tournaments.
- Depth in the Pace Attack: With Jasprit Bumrah as the lead, having a bowler like Krishna, who can bowl in the powerplay and the death, provides crucial balance to the attack. He now joins a competitive group that includes Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and the emerging Harshit Rana.
For fans looking to build their fantasy cricket teams, a resurgent Prasidh Krishna is a name to watch closely. [INTERNAL_LINK: fantasy-cricket-tips-india-sa-series].
Conclusion: A Statement of Intent
The third ODI in Visakhapatnam will be remembered for the collective bowling effort that restricted South Africa, but Prasidh Krishna’s individual journey from being on the brink to being the hero is its most compelling subplot. Backed by the wise words of veterans like Ashwin and Pathan, his performance is a stark reminder that in cricket, as in life, it’s never over until it’s over.
The Prasidh Krishna comeback is more than a headline; it’s a testament to perseverance and a powerful message to selectors and fans alike: don’t write off talent too soon. For Krishna, this is not just a return to form—it’s a statement of intent for the challenges ahead.
Sources
[1] Times of India: ‘Easy to write people off…’: Ashwin hails Prasidh Krishna’s comeback carnage. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-south-africa/easy-to-write-people-off-r-ashwin-hails-prasidh-krishnas-comeback-carnage/articleshow/125805566.cms
[5] Various news reports on India vs South Africa 3rd ODI result.
[9] Ball-by-ball commentary from the 3rd ODI.
[15] Ashwin’s previous comments on Prasidh Krishna from July 2025.
[19] Irfan Pathan’s social media praise for Prasidh Krishna.
[26] Reports on Gautam Gambhir’s management style and player backing.
[29] Prasidh Krishna’s recent ODI performance stats.
[30] Prasidh Krishna’s overall ODI career statistics from ESPNcricinfo.